Considering a change of home to center

[Controlled Chaos]

I have been caring for children in my home for 2 1/2 years now. I have 3 children under 5 as well. Caring for children in my home has been great on the kid end. I love the crafts, circle time, outside play, dress up, pre k lessons, friends for my children etc. I had worked in a daycare years before too so I had experience.

I am burnt out on the parent and business end. I need to completely overhaul my billing and I am tired of my home not feeling like MY home. I am constantly paranoid someone will come barging in when I am not dressed or think its Mon on Sun or some craziness.

I have put in my application at a large daycare center, attached to the school I used to teach at. I am hopeful I get it and they have space for my children, but I am also feeling bad for one particular family I would be leaving. They have told me they would follow me if I ever made a change like this but, I know their financial situation and I don't think they have any idea what a deal I am. This center would cost them at least twice what I do. I know its not my problem, but this is a golden family with great friend history too.

Has anyone done a major shift before? Whether closing their center or changing locations?

Thanks for listening.

[Learning Daycare]

I'm just getting started in the daycare industry but I have some advice. I'm sure you've thought about the positive and negative of closing your daycare or keeping it open. Just remember, you will not be able to make certain adjustments when working for someone else. You may not have your desired hours and may even end up being part time. Have you considered a vacation from daycare instead maybe for a week or a month? Sometimes, you can get burnt out and that causes you to make what some may consider an "irrational" decision. I'm not sure how much you take home pay you actually make now but, in a center, most do not pay well (in my area, at least). I know you may be frustrated but, I urge you to think about this for as long as you can. I definitely think you should still interview with the center(s) and take all the information in, crunch numbers and make your decision.

Please, don't say anything to your DCPs until you are 100% sure you don't want to be open anymore. And, of course, give them enough notice, hopefully a month.

I'm sure you will choose what is the most comfortable and makes the most sense for you! I wish you the best!

[Controlled Chaos]

Thanks for your response.

I put in my application with the center. It will probably be 2015 before there is a position as well as space for my children. I feel so excited about the idea of going back to work outside the house.

I won't tell my dkfs about my plans until everything is a sure thing. Even if I only make $8 an hour at the center working 40hr weeks I will net more than I am netting working 50-60 hours now. And I can't get licensed (I am legally not licensed) due to how my home is, so I can't grow my business. I am just stuck.

Thanks again for listening.

[racemom]

I work in a center for all the reasons you listed. I like my home to be my own, I don't want to deal with all the paperwork, and when I leave at night--I leave it all there. Also, as much as I love my group I need adult interaction, sometimes I just need to be able to throw ideas or vents off of another adult to get their perspective. Good luck in your new adventure!